Toronto Raptors: 5 keys to 2019 Eastern Conference Finals vs. Bucks

4. Take advantage of second chance opportunities

No two teams in these playoffs have given up fewer second chance points per game than the Bucks (9.3) and Raptors (10.3). The group that takes advantage of those opportunities should have the upper hand.

It was clear in Toronto’s Game 7 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers that offensive rebounds helped determine the outcome. Toronto finished the night with a 16-5 edge.

Kyle Lowry came away with two huge offensive boards in one possession late in the third quarter. His persistence and willingness to crash the glass resulted in an open 3-pointer for Kawhi Leonard.

The Bucks have averaged an NBA-best 52.0 rebounds per game this postseason, with 42.4 of them coming on the defensive end.

It’s imperative that Toronto puts pressure on Milwaukee’s frontcourt to box out. The Raptors are averaging just 7.8 offensive rebounds per game. To put that into perspective, the Celtics averaged 7.4 per game in the playoffs. Now they’re sitting at home.